Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction: What Science Says

5: Self-help and drug addiction treatment

Self-help groups can complement and extend the effects of professional drug addiction treatment. The most prominent self-help groups are those affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Cocaine Anonymous (CA), all of which are based on the 12-step model and Smart Recovery. Most drug addiction treatment programs encourage patients to participate in a self-help group during and after formal treatment.